New York City First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro is temporarily taking charge of the government for two days after Mayor Eric Adams left for the Dominican Republic. The trip comes as a response to the deadly nightclub collapse in the Caribbean nation’s capital, which claimed over 200 lives.
Adams, who traveled to the Dominican Republic to offer condolences, had previously stated that New York City has a significant influence on the country due to its large Dominican population. Mastro will be acting mayor until Adams returns from his trip.
Mastro was appointed as first deputy mayor just under a month ago after four of Adams’ deputies resigned amid allegations about Adams’ potential involvement in the Trump administration’s immigration agenda. The city charter allows the first deputy to take over temporarily when the sitting mayor is out of town.
The large Dominican population in New York City has been recognized by various institutions, including CUNY’s Dominican Studies Institute, which states that the city is a hub for this population in the US. Adams’ office has confirmed that Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez will accompany the mayor on his trip.
Mastro previously faced controversy when he was nominated to serve as the corporation counsel but withdrew after facing questions about his past work with Mayor Rudy Giuliani and several high-profile clients, including Chevron. He later replaced Maria Torres-Springer in the role of first deputy mayor, a position that did not require approval from the City Council.
Source: https://gothamist.com/news/mayor-adams-trip-to-dominican-republic-leaves-newly-appointed-deputy-in-charge-of-nyc